Typically held on the second Monday of October, Sports Day is a national Japanese holiday known for athletics and, surprisingly, food. Despite the event’s namesake physical activity, the bento box lunches are often where the real competition lies.
Virtual Travel with Umami: Shimane
Until we can all travel again, indulge in the deep history and food culture of Japan's beautiful Shimane prefecture virtually.
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In the month of September, both shiitake mushrooms and eggplant are in season. In Japan, where many dishes feature fresh, in-season ingredients, you can expect to see a wide variety of dishes containing these flavorful and healthy ingredients.
Persimmons, the national fruit of Japan, are a tasty fruit that can be used in many culinary applications. They are also quite healthy.
Ramen noodle soup can be a great option to fend off the cold weather. Enjoy a quick bowl after work, or linger over a delicious midday meal with your family. Either way, you'll be sure to enjoy the unique Japanese food culture of ramen noodles.
Sweet potatoes and enoki mushrooms are both in season in October in Japan, and will be featured in many Japanese dishes during this time. These vibrant ingredients are also very healthy, and will make a good addition to your regular diet.
The month of November is when apples and spinach are both in season. There are a number of ways to utilize these ingredients in Japanese cuisine. And cooking fresh Japanese meals with these ingredients yields a lot of health benefits and flavor.
Japanese Worldwide Travel goes to Sao Paulo and San Francisco this autumn with delicious fusion styles that will rock your taste buds.
Autumn, Culture, Food Traditions, Seasonal
12 Months of Japanese Holidays: September’s Jyugoya and Keiro No Hi
If there's one thing to be said about Japanese holidays, it's that they're all about reverence. September’s fêtes, Jyugoya and Keiro No Hi, demonstrate this, paying homage to the moon and the elderly, respectively, with fun and food.
The strange appearance of many traditional Japanese dishes might cause the uninitiated to avert their eyes, but if you want to challenge yourself and some guests this Halloween, think about giving some of these dishes a try!
Kids in kimonos? Don't be surprised if you see Japanese boys and girls all dolled up come November. It's the time of year for shichi-go-san, a traditional aging ceremony held for children of specific ages.
Quick & Easy Recipes
Combining flavorful ingredients like pork belly and shiitake mushrooms with classic Japanese seasonings like mirin and dashi, this hearty tonjiru soup will delight friends and family when you whip it up in your home kitchen.
A healthy Japanese recipe that also packs a serious flavor blast, this Bean Sprout Curry with Soy Sauce recipe uses ingredients like pork, sake and curry powder to create a light meal that can be served at any time.
Do you want to up your summer dip game? Try this miso dip to impress!
Want to make an easy breakfast/lunch? Try the pizza toast but with miso for a Japanese taste.
Healthy smoothie with a hint of green tea will get you ready for the day.
Ketchup rice covered with a thin omelet. Try this once and you might fall in love with the tastiness!
Edamame is a popular appetizer, and goes well with ice cold beer! Put a little more effort in the edamame to make it even tastier!
Skewered grilled chicken covered in Teriyaki sauce is the perfect dish for everything from afternoon barbecues to formal dinners, and our easy-to-follow chicken tsukune recipe and video has everything you need to make it at home!
Learn how to make Ogura toast, a Japanese breakfast recipe that is also healthy. Adzuki bean paste is smothered on freshly toasted bread for a sweet and creamy taste that will jump-start your day the right way.
Recipe for those getting bored of avocado toasts.
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A lifestyle in Shimane consists of fresh seafood from the Japan Sea, mountains with bountiful seasonal harvests, and the rich history of fermentation culture. Take a look into life here in Shimane and what it has to offer.
Shimane has many food products unique and special to its culture and history. From green tea to roses, there is something for everybody. To dig deeper into the food history of the area, meet the people maintaining Shimane's identity.
Exploring Shimane through its tea and soba is one way you can get an introduction to its history and culture. Learn how they are committed to keeping this food tradition alive and thriving in Shimane.
Donburi rice bowls are quick and flavor-packed meals that are a popular part of Japanese food. Make Gyudon, a rice bowl topped with thinly sliced beef and green onions in your kitchen with our recipe!
The vegan boom in recent years shows similar movements in Japan, and vegan sushi is also becoming popular. Learn how to make your vegan sushi easily at home!
No-bake cheesecake, or rare cheesecake, is a popular Japanese dessert menu. Adding silken tofu makes it healthier, and a hint of zesty yuzu syrup would make this dessert a total game changer!
